JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
A look at the old Varsity Theatre on University Avenue yesterday revealed a large crack in the wall snaking above the manager's office. Kamehameha Schools, which purchased the theater in June, has decided to demolish the building, citing health and safety concerns.

Dangerously deteriorated

The Varsity Theatre is called a hazard and will be torn down

The Varsity Theatre in Moiliili is scheduled to be demolished by the end of the month.

"Here goes another piece of history," said Ron Lockwood, a longtime resident and chairman of the McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board.

Officials from property owner Kamehameha Schools cited significant structural problems with the building when they informed the board of their demolition plans Thursday. Lockwood said the announcement shocked attendees at the meeting.

An exact date of the demolition has yet to be determined.

Dust screens are expected to be erected around the theater within days as the contractor, RHS Lee Inc., prepares for the demolition. The contractor will remove asbestos in the roofing material before demolishing the building.

The University Avenue theater, known for showing foreign and independent films, closed in June after 67 years.

Rebecca Ryan, executive director of the Moiliili Community Center, said the theater was a popular landmark in the neighborhood. "It was fashionably offbeat. It was so offbeat, it became fashionable," Ryan said.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
One of the poles holding up the awning of the main lobby at the old Varsity Theatre has rusted almost entirely through.

The 10,000 square-foot theater was purchased by Kamehameha Schools last summer from Consolidated Theatres.

Kamehameha Schools looked into preserving the building for another use, but large cracks in the ceiling, walls and columns were found during an inspection. Mold, rust and significant settling were also found, said spokesman Kekoa Paulsen.

Before the demolition plans, a comedy club, Laugh Factory Hawaii, had expressed interest in holding shows at the theater, but an agreement could not be reached between Kamehameha Schools and the club.

Since the theater shut last year, homeless people have been using the site as shelter, and the building has been vandalized. Vintage movie posters and light fixtures were stolen.

Laura Ruby, a University of Hawaii art instructor and Moiliili resident since 1980, criticized Kamehameha Schools yesterday, saying little consultation was made with the community involving use of the theater.

"I asked them to please save the theater facade. They did not run with the community's wishes," said Ruby, who wrote "Moiliili," a book about the neighborhood.

Paulsen said the age and condition of the building do not allow for continued use of the structure. He said they have been talking with area businesses and community groups. Tearing down the theater will allow Kamehameha Schools to put the site to better use for the community, he added.

While Kamehameha Schools determines a long-term plan for the site, officials plan an interim parking lot to be built by the end of June. Rental housing, retail and office space were recommendations made by community members, Paulsen said.